Bluffton High boys golf looks to build off last year

The Bluffton High boys golf team wants to build off of what it accomplished last year as it enters its second season in SCHSL Class AAAA.

After finishing last season with a loss in the SCHSL Class AAAA Lower State tournament in a three-team playoff, coach David Crosby said his golfers were hungrier than ever to get back and make some noise.

"This year we have the potential to put out the best boys golf team ever," Crosby said. "Four of our guys could easily shoot in the 70s.

"They have been putting the time in in the offseason to continue growing as players."

After making the jump to Class AAAA last year and having made it to postseason contention, Crosby and his golfers feel confident their abilities and time spent improving their game will make a difference this year.

"The competition in Class AAAA is tough, there's no doubt about that," Crosby said. "But, I think we have the focus, the drive and the talent to take our region and make a run for the Lower State."

Returning to help the Bobcats add some experience this year is sophomore Alec Weary and Elliott Johnson.

Johnson did not compete with the team last season after receiving a partial scholarship to the Hank Haney International Junior Golf Academy. Weary, who also participates in summer golf events during the offseason, returns as a sophomore to add more experience to the roster.

"The ones who play during the offseason, they really hone their skill and that will help us in the long run," Crosby said. "Those summer events really help them get better at their short game.

"It's there in the short game that you score and where you will make a difference."

To that end, Crosby said this year the short game is what he is going to emphasize to get that extra edge.

"I decided that a week to two weeks out from the start of the season, we'd start focusing on that part of the game," he said. "Improving our pitching, putting and chipping will help us that much more.

"Some like to just hit the ball as hard as they can, but you make your money in the short game."

BLUFFTON HIGH BOYS GOLF

Coach: David Crosby (seventh season)

Last season: 25-22, lost in playoff at SCHSL Class AAAA Lower State tournament